Homecoming is a Special Time To Visit Campus
Homecoming is more than just a weekend—it's a tradition that connects generations of Prairie Stars. It's a chance for alumni to return to campus, reunite with old friends, and reconnect with the place that shaped so many of our lives. For some, it's even a chance to bring their children and imagine the next generation of Stars walking these paths.
This September has already given us a taste of fall, and with it, a growing sense of anticipation for Homecoming Weekend. The campus is buzzing with preparation, the corn and bean fields surrounding us are nearing harvest, and our
Sideline Store is stocked with Prairie Star gear to get fans ready for the celebration.
Athletics is hosting two feature events on the weekend. Friday, Sept. 19, the focus will be on UIS soccer, headlined by the matchup of two storied men's soccer programs – Quincy and UIS. Wearing your UIS blue, come to campus early for the Prairie Star Block Party held just outside of the Student Union, starting at 3 p.m. Make your way to Kiwanis Stadium for the 5 p.m. women's match between the Hawks and Stars. UIS was ranked seventh in the GLVC preseason poll while Quincy was selected 10th. The Stars are 3-0-1 in the last four meetings with the Hawks, including a 1-1 tie at Quincy last season.
The 7:30 p.m. men's game matches two programs with outstanding NAIA histories. UIS, of course, won three NAIA national championships, advanced to the final four nine times and made 20 postseason appearances (1979-2002). Qunicy won 11 national championships, advanced to 15 final fours and made 16 appearances (1966-82). Quincy left the NAIA for an 11-year run at the NCAA Division I level (1985-95) with its men's soccer program before UIS won its first national title in 1986. The only time the two programs met in the NAIA tournament was 1981 when Quincy beat UIS and went onto win its final national championship. In fact, the Hawks won five straight national titles, including the 1979, 1980 and 1981 events, which were held on the UIS campus at the newly constructed Kiwanis Stadium.
Since making the move to NCAA D2 and joining the GLVC in 1996, Quincy has made 21 GLVC tournament appearances and won one tournament (2011) and two regular-season titles. The Hawks advanced to the national championship match in 2014. UIS joined the GLVC in 2010 and has made eight conference tournament appearances, advancing to the title match twice. The Stars won the regular-season title in 2023. UIS was selected eighth in the GLVC preseason poll while Quincy was projected to finish 11th.
Following Friday's matches, fans are invited to gather for a bonfire and fireworks show—a Homecoming tradition under the stars.
On Saturday, Homecoming guests can start the day with the 10th annual Prairie Star 5K. The featured athletics contest on Saturday is the 4 p.m. volleyball match against Maryville. The two GLVC programs are playing a non-conference match to wrap up Prairie Star Classic (Sept. 18-20). UIS has won nine straight against the Saints before falling in 2023 and 2024, including a 3-2 match last year at TRAC. Maryville was picked fifth and UIS, seventh, in the preseason GLVC poll. The Saints are coached by Gretchen Moser, spouse of UIS men's soccer alum, Kirk Moser, '91. UIS is coached by
Laura Ulrich, in her first season in Springfield.
Homecoming is also a chance to welcome fresh faces. With four new head coaches this year—and three more who started last season—UIS Athletics is building momentum for the future. Former athletes are invited to connect at our welcome tent in Kiwanis Stadium on Friday night.
Whether you're returning to relive memories, cheer on today's Stars, or create new traditions with your family, Homecoming is the perfect time to be back on campus. We can't wait to see you there.
Mike Hermann
Director of Athletics
